Xita (brand)

Xita (also styled as Xita) is a Botswana-rooted accessory and jewellery brand founded in 2015.[1] The founder, One Rapelana, is a self-taught designer with a background in marketing and management, who turned a hobby into a business by 2018, earning recognition for her original, sustainable and new designs.[2][3][4]

Early life and formation of the brand

One Rapelana graduated from Monash South with a Business Science degree in Marketing and Management.[1] When her internship ended in 2014, she began creatively experimenting by deconstructing old clothing and repurposing materials like T-shirts and CDs into handmade neckpieces. The creative brand Xita was inspired by her birthdate's association with Saint Zita, later altered to Xita in 2025.[3][5]

Brand evolution and design ethos

Initially working with recycled t-shirt fabrics, Rapelana expanded her materials to include faux leather, genuine leather offcuts and brass. This progression reflects her commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices.[1][6][7]

Her work has appeared at fashion and design venues such as AFI Joburg Fashion Week (2018), Lima Design Expo (2020-2021), Glamour SA magazine, and the Brooklyn Museum’s Africa Fashion exhibition in New York (2023).[1][3][7]

Recognition and impact

Rapelana has been recognized as an award-winning entrepreneur, receiving accolades at regional Presidents’ Day celebrations and National Women Business Expos. Her business also benefited from government support and secured a Youth Development Fund grant/loan early in her career.[3][8]

Design philosophy and narrative

Xita’s designs are often described as “wearable art,” blending bold geometry and storytelling.[9] Early work utilised deconstructed ceramics and fabrics, while recent collections feature geometric brass and leather combinations, especially in pieces like neckpieces and bracelets.[10]

Her design philosophy primarily focuses on individuality, sustainability and self-expression, which was intended to be a reflection of her identity and journey.[10][9][11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "THE STORY". Xitadesigns. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  2. ^ "Xita". Seekd. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  3. ^ a b c d "Meet the Designer One Rapelana of Botswana". Gabriela Barnat. 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  4. ^ Ncube, Dumisani (2015-12-04). "The multi creative house of Xita". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 2025-08-17.
  5. ^ "XITA". Dsgn Exchange. Archived from the original on 2025-08-15. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  6. ^ "Xita". Seekd. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  7. ^ a b Hawken, Melanie (2024-02-11). "One Rapelana, a creative and ethical accessory brand-builder in Botswana". Lionesses of Africa. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  8. ^ Thomas, David (2025-03-05). "Botswana: a gender equality success story?". African Business. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  9. ^ a b "Crafting Treasures: The Intention Behind Every Piece". Xitadesigns. 2024-09-03. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  10. ^ a b "Forged from Feeling: The Artistry of Xita Designs – I luv Moda". Archived from the original on 2025-08-08. Retrieved 2025-08-19.
  11. ^ C, Priscilla (2025-05-15). "Meet the Maker: Xita Designs - Hunhu Collectiv". Retrieved 2025-09-10.
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